CHEBOYGAN – The Michigan Nurses Association today praised McLaren Health Care Corporation for recognizing it as the official collective bargaining agent of the nurses at the former Cheboygan Memorial Hospital, adding stability to the community’s health care after months of uncertainty. The development ensures that the 18 nurses at the new McLaren Northern Michigan – Cheboygan Campus have a voice in what happens at the facility and can advocate for the highest quality care for their patients.

“We appreciate that McLaren lived up to its obligation to recognize the Michigan Nurses Association as the collective bargaining unit for the Cheboygan nurses, regardless of what name is on the building,” said Shela Khan Monroe, the local MNA labor representative who has worked closely for months with CMH and McLaren leaders. “The Michigan Nurses Association has been part of the Cheboygan community for years and we fought hard to preserve community health care during the recent difficulties. Through the collective bargaining process with McLaren, we can now support our nurses in providing the high-quality care that the community deserves.”

The emergency department at the former Cheboygan Memorial Hospital re-opened in May under McLaren’s ownership after nearly five weeks of being closed and surgical services resumed June 4. The Michigan Nurses Association worked closely with CMH and McLaren leaders for months before, during and after the closure to preserve health care for the community and to make CMH nurses available to assist in any way.

Collective bargaining is important in health care because it enables nurses to focus on delivering skilled care, rather than boosting their employers’ bottom line. Being in a union gives nurses the security of speaking up for patients and using their professional judgment to do what is best for their medical needs.

“At the Michigan Nurses Association, we advocate for our nurses so they can advocate for their patients,” Khan Monroe said. “We appreciate that McLaren understands the value that collective bargaining provides for the community. We work well with McLaren in facilities around the state and we look forward to helping them provide the highest quality care in Cheboygan.”